EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — Six young students at Loretto Academy are starting a new chapter with more than $100,000 in scholarships designed to support them from middle school through college.

The Challenge Foundation El Paso welcomed six new scholars into its scholarship and mentorship program during a ceremony at Loretto Academy, awarding more than $100,000 in combined tuition coverage. The scholarships are intended to carry each student from sixth grade through high school graduation and into college, providing academic support, mentorship, college preparation and family services.

Natalia Aguirre, one of the scholarship recipients, described the moment as emotional and unexpected.

“I was really happy and surprised and overall really grateful that not a lot of people get,” Aguirre said.

The six incoming scholars — Mia, Natalia, Angie, Valentina, Perlaruby and Camila — were selected through a competitive application process from elementary schools across El Paso, including Loretto Academy Elementary, Hillside Elementary, Edgemere International School and Herrera Elementary. Each will receive a full scholarship to attend Loretto Academy beginning in sixth grade.

The program has been in partnership with Loretto Academy for 18 years and is part of a national effort that also includes Denver and Phoenix.

Vanessa Olivas, another scholarship recipient, said the support can be both academic and financial.

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“They could be as small as helping me with my exams, helping me with my studies allot of times there wasn’t a way for me to receive the financial support that I needed whether it be for a prom dress or a computer,” Olivas said.

Olivas also credited the scholarship with helping her expand her experiences beyond the United States, including travel in Europe.

“The Summer of 24 there was an upcoming trip to Europe along with EM Tour and since I was little I have always wanted to travel. It was always a dream of mine,” she said. “I was able to travel 5 different countries in Europe. I went to Austria, France.”

The ceremony drew families, donors, mentors, faculty and community members. It included remarks from Board President Gene Myers, who traveled from Denver, Colorado, and from Challenge alumna Karen Evangelista, a current UTEP student who spoke about how the program helped shape her path from sixth grade to college as she pursues a career in education.

As part of a tradition in the program, outgoing seniors welcomed the incoming scholars, highlighting the foundation’s long-term commitment to supporting students through graduation and beyond.

“I’m just super excited. I feel like they should be super proud of themselves and super proud of all that they have done so far and all that they will do in the future,” Olivas said.

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